How to Remove a Garbage Disposal Connected to a Double Sink

Open the cabinet beneath the sink and take everything out.

Place a plastic tray in the bottom of the under-sink cabinet to catch any water and parts that might fall.

Locate the power cord on the garbage disposal and trace it back to its source, then unplug it.

Loosen the pipe joint at the bottom of the garbage disposal using a pipe wrench. Once the joint is finger-loose, you can finish unscrewing it by hand until the drain pipe is free from the disposal unit.

Look for tubes or pipes connecting the garbage disposal to the dishwasher. Nearly all disposal and dishwasher systems are connected by at least one line and some are connected by two or more. Disconnect all of these connections on the garbage disposal end. Tubes may be connected by flanges, which are easily removed with a small adjustable wrench, or metal bands, which can be loosened and removed by loosening an attached screw with a screwdriver. Pipes should be removed with a pipe wrench or small adjustable wrench, depending on how large the connection is and how much room you have to work.

Remove the flange that holds the top of the garbage disposal unit to the bottom of the disposal side of the sink. This can be done by loosening and removing the bolts connecting the flange to the under-sink assembly. Again, a pipe wrench or small adjustable wrench is the ideal tool to get these bolts loosened, then you can finish them off with your fingers.

Pull the garbage disposal straight down to free it from the sink. You may need to tilt it slightly one direction or another to maneuver it around the drain pipe.